Remember when the anti-gunners claimed they only wanted background checks? Looks like they are already back for more. After spending almost 20 million dollars to narrowly pass Question 1, anti-gun groups and advocates are already beating the drum for more gun control in the Silver State. Over the weekend, the Las Vegas Sun published an editorial advocating for a ban on so-called “high capacity” magazines. The article shows the arbitrary nature of their demands by stating they would be fine with either a 10 or 15 round limitation. Well which is it, 10 or 15? Why not 15 or 20?
The article goes on to belittle gun owners and make the usual rhetoric to support their claims, while inadvertently highlighting the reason why arbitrary limits on standard capacity magazines can put the good guy acting in self-defense at risk. The article quotes Sheriff Lombardo of Clark County, “It’s also not uncommon for guns to jam during magazine change-outs, Lombardo says.” In a critical self-defense situation, an individual should not be limited in their ability to defend themselves and they should not have to waste precious time by changing out a magazine.
Noticeably missing from the anti-gunners calls for magazine restrictions is the fact that this was already tried at the federal level and an independent study found that gun and magazine bans—including those on semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines—don’t prevent crime. Additionally, ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds are standard equipment for many handguns and rifles that Americans keep for self-defense. Further, according to a recent report out of California, magazine bans have had no “actual impact” in areas where they are in place.
As such, legislation to limit magazine capacities would do nothing to stop crime or keep firearms out of the hands of criminals. Instead, it would arbitrarily limit your ability to defend and protect yourself and your loved ones.
As always your NRA-ILA will be there to fight for your rights in Carson City and beyond. Please stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for updates on firearm and hunting legislation including potential magazine ban legislation during the 2017 legislative session.